Building simulating apparatus and method for training emergency personnel

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for simulating a building environment through which emergency personnel may be trained by practicing search and rescue. The present invention provides an apparatus including a plurality of wall panels which can be joined together and simulate a floor plan of a building. The wall panels preferably are modular prefabricated wall panels adapted to be assembled and disassembled permitting the same wall panels to be adapted for use to provide different floor plans. Thus, a modular kit incorporating a plurality of different wall panels may be arranged and subsequently rearranged into as many different floor plans as desired thus providing a variety of different floor plans which will provide challenging training in search and rescue.

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for training emergencypersonnel such as fire, police and military personnel to perform searchand rescue within closed structures under conditions as may beexperienced in emergencies involving fire, smoke, power outages and thelike.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Emergency personnel, such as firemen, have the difficult task of movinginto, through and out of structures, such as buildings, under conditionsin which they have no visibility or limited visibility as, for example,when navigating through a building with very heavy smoke conditionswhere there may be little or no ambient light and emergency lightingsuch as headlamps and flashlights may penetrate only limited distancessuch as not more than a few feet. Similar conditions arise as in roomswhich have no ambient light and in which the firefighter may not haveaccess to any emergency light. In such situations, the firefightersadopt techniques by which they carefully move through a building usinglargely by touch and feel the location of various structures such aswalls, doorways, windows, banisters, steps and the like to move throughthe building as, for example, in and out of different rooms towardsidentifying the rooms and attempting to locate persons within thebuilding and/or to exit safely from the building.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for simulating abuilding environment through which emergency personnel may be trained bypracticing search and rescue.

The present invention provides an apparatus including a plurality ofwall panels which can be joined together and simulate a floor plan of abuilding. The wall panels preferably are modular prefabricated wallpanels adapted to be assembled and disassembled permitting the same wallpanels to be adapted for use to provide different floor plans. Thus, amodular kit incorporating a plurality of different wall panels may bearranged and subsequently rearranged into as many different floor plansas desired thus providing a variety of different floor plans which willprovide challenging training in search and rescue.

The preferred wall panels or partitions include wall panels whichincorporate doorways, and wall panels which incorporate windows.Preferably, the windows simulate actual windows to assist emergencypersonnel in entering or exiting via the windows.

Certain of the wall panels preferably have a construction whichsimulates actual walls as found in buildings to assist in trainingpersonnel in breaking through any type of wall as, for example, to breakthrough a drywall covered wall and in moving through a wall in spacesbetween studs, wiring, plumbing, duct work and the like.

In accordance with the preferred apparatus, coupling mechanisms areprovided so as to fixedly couple the modular wall panels together wherethey abut and optionally secure the panels to a floor or otherstructure.

In accordance with a preferred method of use of the apparatus, pictorialrepresentations are provided to the emergency personnel before theyenter the building simulator which representations show an exterior of abuilding which the simulator is intended to simulate. The pictorialrepresentation can provide clues and input to the emergency personnel asto the possible layout of the building. The pictorial representationswould approximate the information to be received by an emergency workeron visually surveying a building to be entered. Similarly, in respect ofhigh rise apartments, any particular floor plan for the simulator mayhave accompanying information and representations such as informationwhich emergency workers could gain from adjoining apartment units whichwould assist the emergency worker in determining the nature of the floorplan to be encountered.

Preferably, a floor plan is constructed using the modular wall panels inaccordance with the present invention as, for example, on a flat planar,preferably, concrete floor. Subsequently, furniture and other props maybe placed within the floor plan. Subsequently, the structure may beeither filled with smoke or the emergency worker may be required toperform a search and rescue operation as with a face piece or mask of aself-contained breathing apparatus completely covered which wouldsimulate heavy smoke conditions. The apparatus may merely be used in thedark with a minimum of light.

Insofar as buildings in any particular geographic area may haveconsistent floor plans, such floor plan arrangements can be selected tobe a floor plan to be simulated.

The building simulator permits for various floor plans to be constructedand removed in a minimal of time. This facilitates construction of atraining floor plan anywhere as, for example, on an existing floorwithin an existing building such as on the main floor of a fire hall orgarage or on an existing cement pad outside of a building, to be usedand, subsequently, to be dismantled and stored in a comparatively smallspace. For use over various surfaces such as over dirt, gravel orgrassed surfaces surface modular flooring panels may also be provided.Similarly, as a roofing structure such as demountable flexible roof suchas from canvas or Nylon fabric may be provided as to keep smoke in thestructure, to minimize light egress and/or to protect the othercomponents of the simulator from the elements such as rain. Thesimulator could be mounted inside a collapsible tent-like enclosure. Theentire simulator may be stored and moved inside a trailer for ease oftransport as well as storage. The wall panels may also be used inconjunction with pre-existing walls, doorways and windows in an existingfire hall or training centre.

The modular wall panels preferably are individual wall panels which areadapted to be manipulated for assembly and disassembly by one or twoindividuals. In this regard, they preferably are made of standard wallconstruction materials such as formed of a framework of metal or woodstuds and carry plywood sheeting or panelling-type material,alternately, drywall sheeting with or without baseboard or the like.Towards rendering the individual wall panels more lightweight, they mayalternatively comprise, for example, a core of lightweight foamedmaterial with thin metal or fibreglass protective sheeting. The modularwall panels may also comprise a plastic-type material formed byinjection molding and/or extrusion.

The individual wall panels may be coupled together by various methods,preferably, in a manner which provides for quick connection anddisconnection.

One preferred configuration is to provide male and female latchingmechanisms at corners of each panel to permit each panel to be connectedto all other similar panels. Preferably, the male and female latchingmechanism will permit rectangular panels when orientated vertically witha designated top as the upper end to have its ends joined in-line, thatis, end to end, with other similar panels without regard to which end ofone panel may engage the end of another panel. Such latching mechanismsnot only render the panels ambidextrous for coupling end-to-end in astraight line but also preferably permit the end of any panel to becoupled to another panel proximate its end to extend perpendicularthereto. Preferably, a single configuration of the latching mechanism isprovided at each of the top and bottom corners at each end of each panelpermitting in-line and/or perpendicular coupling at the end of eachpanel to other similar panels.

The latching mechanisms are preferably accessible from the front andrear faces of each panel and when not activated for coupling areretained within the confines of the panel, that is, within the endfaces, front and back faces and top and bottom faces so as to not extendtherefrom or increase the overall dimensions of the panel during storageor movement.

The latching mechanisms are preferably modular elements which can bemanufactured separately and installed within the corners of each panel.

Preferably, the panels when coupled together provide a sufficientlystrong self-supporting structure with in-line panels and panelsextending perpendicular to other panels that there is no need forcoupling of the structure to the floor or another building structure.

Another preferred configuration is to provide flat brackets which are tolie on a floor surface bridging two or more wall panels and providevertically extending pins to extend vertically into holes in the wallpanels. Similar such brackets may be provided at the top of the wallpanels to bridge between two or more wall panels. The floor bracketsneed not be secured to the floor, however, could be secured to the floorby various means such as pins which extend from the bracket verticallydownward into the floor or, possibly, Velcro brand touch fasteners whichare removably secured to the floor at desired locations as by adhesiveand the like. Such floor brackets preferably engage the floor havingregard to the relative weight of the wall panels so as to resistmovement under normal forces to be experienced under search and rescueconditions such as having emergency personnel forcefully urge themselvesinto portions of the wall panels. Cross braces may be provided at thetop of adjacent wall panels extending between adjacent wall panels at aheight which will not interfere with emergency personnel duringtraining.

The modular wall panels preferably provide relatively full height wallsas, for example, six to eight feet high to mimic the walls of a normalbuilding, however, this is not necessary. Preferably, the wall panelsare sufficiently high so as to accommodate normal full sized windows ascan be used in an exercise to enter or exit via the windows. This isalso not necessary and the wall panels, for example, which are threefeet to five feet high can be useful to simulate conditions to beexperienced by emergency personnel as they typically crawl on the floorabout the periphery of the floor plan.

Preferably, the modular wall panels are assembled such that they areopen upwardly and supervisory personnel can view the progress of anypersonnel in the simulator possibly recording the progress which can beused towards assisting and/or developing improved techniques forteaching or simulation. Thus, in accordance with one preferredembodiment, an observatory station is provided above the floor plan toobserve and/or record personnel's activity as with time.

The modular wall panels preferably are adapted to be stored stackedhorizontally or vertically on their ends or sides.

Preferably, where a doorway is to be provided, the door is providedwithin a single modular wall panel providing both sides and the top offraming for the door with a relatively thin bracket or plate to extendacross the bottom of the door simulating a low height sill and assistingto keep the sides of the door in fixed locations.

Preferably, where windows are to be provided, a unitary wall panel isprovided carrying the entirety of a window including the sill, two sidesand a top. Windows may be provided with depths to simulate an actualwindow in a home and, therefore, to simulate the exercise of emergencypersonnel passing outwardly or inwardly via the window.

In accordance with the present invention, the apparatus may comprise akit providing a plurality of identical modular wall panels together withsuitable quick attach connection means for connecting the wall panelstogether into different floor plans and with the kit including aplurality of suggested floor plans which can be adopted. Preferably, thekit would also include visual representations showing exterior detailsor other details which would indicate to the emergency personnel inadvance of entering any simulated floor plan some clues as to the natureof the floor plan. In addition, specific information could be given indifferent exercises such as the exiting of smoke from a particularwindow or areas, information as to the date, time, nature of the personswhich may be expected inside the simulated building and/or informationabout location of persons within the simulated building.

The training apparatus may comprise but a simple maze of the wallpanels, however, preferably furniture, floor coverings, appliances andthe like placed in suitable locations. Various other props andenhancements may be provided as, for example, loud speakers, lights,heaters, devices to provide smoke and/or flame or the like to simulateactual conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects and advantages will become apparent from the followingdescription taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial front view of a simulated building trainingapparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are pictorial front and rear views of the building shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of a frame for a basic wall panel used inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of an assembled basic wall panel whose frameis shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of a frame for a window wall panel used inFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is pictorial view of a frame for a door wall panel used in FIG.1;

FIGS. 7 through 11 are pictorial views of brackets, namely straight,corner, extended T, simple T, and extendable brackets, respectively,used to join the tops and bottoms of panels of FIGS. 4 to 6 together.

FIG. 12 is a schematic pictorial top view illustrating the use of thebrackets shown in FIGS. 7, 10 and 11 to join basic wall panels of thetype shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is a schematic top view illustrating the use of brackets shownin FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 11 to join basic wall panels of the type shown inFIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is a pictorial view of a frame for a basic wall panel asillustrated in FIG. 4 but modified for use in breeching;

FIG. 15 is a pictorial view of a frame for a basic wall panel asillustrated in FIG. 4 but modified to provide restricted throughopenings;

FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of a frame for a basic wall panel similar tothat shown in FIG. 14, however, modified to provide smoke simulation andlighting;

FIG. 17 is a pictorial view of a frame for a window wall panel similarto that in FIG. 5 but modified to provide an exterior window covering;

FIG. 18 is a pictorial view of a frame for a door wall panel similar tothat in FIG. 6, however, modified to provide a spring-loaded door fortactical breeching and forcible entry;

FIG. 19 is a pictorial view of a second simulated building trainingapparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are pictorial views of brackets, namely a straight and acorner bracket, used to join the bottom of wall panels to a floor or toa wall panel below the wall panel;

FIG. 22 is a schematic pictorial view illustrating the manner ofsecuring floor joist members for the floor of a second story room shownin FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a schematic pictorial view illustrating one manner forconnection of an enclosed stairway in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 24 is a plan view similar to that of FIG. 2 of a third simulatedbuilding training apparatus formed by use of the panels of FIGS. 4 to 6;

FIG. 25 is a further plan view of a fourth simulated building trainingapparatus formed using the wall panels of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6;

FIG. 26 is a floor plan of another simulated building trainingapparatus, however, utilizing the wall panels illustrated in FIGS. 27 to31;

FIG. 27 is a pictorial view of a four foot wide basic wall panel used inFIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a pictorial view of a six foot wide wall panel used in FIG.26;

FIG. 29 is a pictorial view of an eight foot wide wall panel used inFIG. 26;

FIG. 30 is a pictorial view of an eight foot wide wall panel with a doorused in FIG. 26;

FIG. 31 is a pictorial view of an eight foot wide wall panel with awindow used in FIG. 26;

FIG. 32 is a pictorial view of an eight foot wide wall panel formed fromtwo sub-panels;

FIG. 33 is a pictorial view of a fully assembled wall panel inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a pictorial view of the wall panel of FIG. 33 with itscladding layers removed so as to show its internal framework and cornercoupling mechanisms;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged pictorial view of one of the corner couplingmechanisms shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a pictorial view showing two wall panels of the type shown inFIG. 33 arranged end to end in line;

FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional plan view along section line P-P′in FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a schematic pictorial view showing merely the two couplingmechanisms illustrated in FIG. 37 in abutment in an uncoupled condition;

FIG. 39 is the same view as in FIG. 38 but showing the couplingmechanisms coupled together;

FIG. 40 is a plan view identical to that in FIG. 37 but also showing twoadditional wall panels extending perpendicular to one of the wall panelsand coupled thereto;

FIG. 41 is a schematic pictorial view of a second embodiment of a cornercoupling mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a schematic exploded view of an uppermost corner of a wallpanel for use with the corner coupling mechanism of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a pictorial assembled view of the uppermost corner of a wallpanel shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional plan view along section line Q-Q′ in FIG.43;

FIG. 45 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of the couplingmechanism shown in FIG. 44 but showing four wall panels coupledtogether, two end-to-end and two side-to-side;

FIG. 46 is a schematic front view of a wall panel with a configurationhaving similarities to that shown in FIG. 43;

FIG. 47 is a schematic front view of a wall panel similar to that shownin FIG. 46 but with a friction fit removable window;

FIG. 48 is a schematic front view of a wall panel similar to that shownin FIG. 46 but with a doorway therethrough;

FIG. 49 is a schematic front view of two wall panels similar to thatshown in FIG. 46 ready for end-to-end coupling;

FIG. 50 is a schematic front view showing three panels, one as seen inFIG. 47, a second as seen in FIG. 46 and a third as seen in FIG. 48ready for coupling end-to-end;

FIG. 51 is a schematic front view showing a panel similar to that shownin FIG. 46 but with a mechanism for simultaneously latching andunlatching both coupling mechanism on one end of the panel;

FIGS. 52, 53 and 54 are pictorial views of a plan view of a layout forsimulated buildings with the same floor plan as constructed with thewall panels of FIGS. 46, 47 and 48;

FIGS. 55, 56 and 57 are plan views of the floor plans shown in FIGS. 52,53 and 54, respectively;

FIGS. 58 to 64 are plan views of different floor plans for simulatedbuildings constructed with the wall panels of FIGS. 46, 47 and 48;

FIG. 65 is a schematic pictorial view of a corner post for use inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the corner post of the FIG. 65along section lines Z-Z′;

FIG. 67 is a schematic pictorial view of the internal bracket memberprovided within the corner post shown in FIG. 65;

FIG. 68 is a plan view of a floor plan utilizing four corner posts asshown in FIG. 65;

FIG. 69 is a schematic pictorial view of another embodiment of acoupling mechanism 800 which has similarities to the coupling mechanism100 shown in FIG. 35 as adapted to be a replacement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made first to FIG. 1 which illustrates a training apparatus10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. Thetraining apparatus illustrated is formed in its entirety from aplurality of modular wall panels generally indicated 12. The wall panels12 preferably are selected from the basic wall panel 14 of FIG. 4, awindow wall panel 16 of FIG. 5 and a door wall panel 18 of FIG. 6. Themodular wall panels preferably have identical height, width andthickness and are adapted to be coupled together on a supporting floorso as to provide interrelated walls which define a particular floor planof a building to be simulated. FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of atraining apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 and includes written designations of thevarious areas contained within the floor plan as being different roomswithin a three bedroom house and particularly indicating areasdesignated as a kitchen, living room, bedroom 1, bedroom 2, bedroom 3and a washroom.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 4A, 5 and 6, each of the wall panels 12 preferablycomprise an internal framework 20, preferably covered on both sides bycladding layers 22 and 23. The framework 20 preferably comprises aplurality of vertically spaced studs 24 and horizontal top and bottomrails 25 and 26. The framework 20 may preferably comprise wood as, forexample, two by four inch lumber as is commonly used in construction,however, the framework 20 may also comprise standard metal stud framing.The cladding layers 22 and 23 may comprise a wide variety of materialsincluding gypsum board, plywood, plastic sheeting, fibreglass, laminate,panelling, sheet metal and particle board which is secured to overliethe framework 20 on each side of the framework. The basic wall panel 14of FIG. 4A has the entirety of its surfaces covered by the claddinglayers 22 and 23 so that each of the basic wall panels 14 would appearas illustrated in FIG. 1.

The window wall panel 16 illustrated in FIG. 5 has a framework 20similar to that in FIG. 4, however, with a window 28 openingtherethrough and the cladding layers 22 and 23 would cover the sides ofthe frame of the window wall panel other than over the window. The doorwall panel member 18, shown in FIG. 6, also has a similar interiorframework 20, however, has a door opening 30 provided therethrough withthe door opening opened through the lower rail 26. Preferably, a lowheight metal plate 33 may extend across the bottom of the door opening30 to simulate a door threshold and to assist in maintaining integrityof the door wall panel. As with the other wall panels 12, the door wallpanel 18 has its. surfaces covered by cladding layers 22 and 23 otherthan over the door opening.

The door wall panel 18 preferably has a door 32, as shown in FIGS. 1 and2, received in the door opening and pivotally coupled at one sidethereof to the framework 20 such that the door 32 is adapted for openingand closing in a standard manner of a conventional door in a household.As well, a door wall panel 18 could be used without the door provided soas to provide a mere passageway therethrough.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wall panels 12 are arrangedvertically end-to-end and in abutment to each other at right angles soas to define by suitable location and selection of the various wallpanels 12, a desired floor plan for the training apparatus.

Reference is made to FIGS. 7 to 13 which illustrate a number of bracketswhich may be used to secure the wall panels 12 together. As illustratedin each of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the wall panels 14, 16 and 18 are providedwith a plurality of vertically extending holes 34 which extend throughthe top rail 25 and the bottom rail 26 forming their framework 20. Thevarious brackets indicated in FIGS. 7 to 13 each comprise a flat metalplate 36 from which a plurality of pins 38 extend perpendicular thereto.The pins 38 are sized to be received within the holes 34 of the wallpanels and the pins 38 are spaced so as when located within the holes 34of the wall panels to suitably space the wall panels from each other.

FIG. 7 illustrates a straight wall bracket 40 adapted to secure two wallpanels 12 together when extending end-to-end in a straight line as, forexample, illustrated in each of FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 8 illustrates a corner bracket 42 adapted to secure two wall panelstogether at a corner as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 13. FIG. 9illustrates a T bracket 44 to couple a wall panel 12 to extendperpendicularly from wall panels at a junction between two inline wallpanels as illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 10 illustrates a T bracket 46 forcoupling a wall panel 12 to extend perpendicularly from one or moreother wall panels as illustrated in FIG. 12. The bracket members are,for example, to be located underneath each panel. In assembly, aselected bracket is placed on the floor and then desired wall panels aremanually manipulated and lifted so as to have a side wall panel 12 situpon the bracket with the pins 38 from the bracket received in the holes34 of the wall panel. After the wall panels 12 have been engaged on thebracket on the floor, a complementary bracket is placed and lowered downinto the holes 34 at the top of the wall panels such that the wallpanels are securely held together both at their lower rail 26 on thefloor and at their upper rail 25. Preferably, assembly is commenced at alocation where two wall panels 12 extend at right angles to each other.From that starting point, new panels may successively be added to theexisting structure coupled together by the various brackets. It is to beunderstood that, for example, when placing any wall panel 12,preferably, the brackets to be received underneath the wall panel at anylocation under that wall panel will be located in place prior to thewall panel being positioned.

FIG. 11 shows an adjustable length bracket 48 carrying a pin 38 on eachof two telescoping members 50 and 52. The inner member 50 istelescopically slidable within the outer member 52. A locking mechanismis provided to lock the two members 50 and 52 against relativelongitudinal sliding and for unlocking. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and13, the adjustable length bracket 48 may be extended to desired lengthsso as to secure the tops of different wall panels 12 together. In FIG.12, the bracket 48 is shown as extending diagonally between wall panelsdisposed at angles to each other. In FIG. 13, the bracket 48 is shown asextending between two parallel lengths of wall panels 14.

The brackets which are provided on a floor may advantageously be securedto a floor for increased security, if this may be desired. As shown ineach of FIGS. 7 to 10, each bracket is provided with an additionalopening 54 as, for example, may accommodate a fastener to extend throughthe bracket into a floor structure. For example, a screw (not shown) maybe driven into a concrete or wooden floor.

Alternatively, other mechanisms may be provided for securing each of thebrackets to a floor. For example, a Velcro brand touch fastener may beadhesively secured to the floor to be coupled with a complementaryVelcro brand touch fastener which is adhesively provided underneath eachbracket. As another method, each bracket may be secured to the floor aswith an adhesive which will prevent laterally sliding on the floor,however, which adhesive forces can fairly readily be overcome by upwardlifting of the bracket. Additionally, the floor may be provided with aplurality of holes which extend downwardly into the floor in a grid-likepattern and permit the use of brackets similar to brackets 56 and 58shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 in which the pins 38, which extend upwardly,have corresponding pins 39 which extend downwardly.

By reason of use of the modular wall panels, the training apparatusillustrated in FIG. 1 may readily be assembled manually on a floorsurface.

In addition to providing the training apparatus, persons to use thetraining apparatus may be provided in advance of entering the trainingapparatus with drawings, pictures or the like which show arepresentation of the building which the floor plan of FIG. 1 isintended to simulate. In this regard, drawings such as the front andrear perspective views illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, may be providedto persons who enter the training apparatus 10 prior to their entry.From the external pictorial view of the building, the persons to besubjected to the training can surmise various things such as expectedfloor plan and layout giving the locations of doors 32 and windows 28and the possible location of the fire given, for example, the appearanceof a plume of smoke 60.

Each of the wall panels 12 preferably is constructed to be of a size,shape and weight to permit handling by one or more individuals and topermit stacking as by standing vertically or horizontally. The modularwall panels 12 may readily be assembled into a training assembly 10 asillustrated in FIG. 1 and may be disassembled and assembled intodifferent training assemblies. In this regard, FIGS. 24 and 25illustrate two additional floor plans for single storey trainingassemblies. Each of the floor plans illustrated in FIGS. 2, 24 and 25are formed using identical width building panels. Such building panelsmay preferably have a width of approximately four feet and a height inthe range of about eight feet such that a basic wall panel asillustrated, for example, in FIG. 4 may be clad by a standard 4 feet by8 feet sheet of gypsum board or plywood. Preferred dimensions of a basicwall panel 12 include a width of 4 feet and a height of 7.5 feetproviding a height approximate that of walls in many buildingconstructions.

The wall panels illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate preferredforms of the wall panels. FIGS. 14 to 18 illustrate additional modularwall panels 12 for substitution of those wall panels shown in FIGS. 4, 5and 6 and which such additional wall panels have additional features.

Reference is made to FIG. 14 which illustrates a basic wall panel 14which has vertical studs 24 at 16 inch centers as is standard with someforms of construction. In addition, a metal pipe 62 is provided toextend horizontally through the interior of the framework 20 simulatingwater, gas and other piping typically found in walls. Further, a lengthof electrical wire 64 is also provided to extend through the framework20 to simulate electrical wiring. At least the lower portion of theframework is clad with gypsum board. The wall panel of FIG. 14 isintended to be a breeching wall panel, that is, one which in a trainingoperation, a person is to pass through as by cutting away the coveringgypsum board and attempting to pass through the wall between the studsavoiding the wiring 64 and/or pipe 62.

Reference is made to FIG. 15 which illustrates another wall panel 14which is pre-provided with restrictive openings 65 and 66 and which isintended to have the surfaces of the framework 20 entirely covered butfor the restricted openings 65 and 66 indicated as being a circularopening 65 and a square opening 66. The restricted openings 65 and 66provide openings through which trainees can practice passing and whichcan involve some difficulty especially when trainees are carryingself-contained breathing apparatus.

Reference is made to FIG. 16 which illustrates a wall panel 14 which isprovided with firstly, lights 67 which can be connected to an electricalsource as, for example, to illuminate portions of the training apparatusand may, for example, be provided as infrared lights or lights whichemit red or yellow colours as may simulate heat and/or lightingconditions in a fire. The light 67 may be provided with male and/orfemale plugs 68, 69 at each side of the wall panel 14 for easyelectrical connection with similar modular plug connections from otherpanels which may be connected to an electrical source. The wall panel isalso illustrated as being provided with a pipe 70 which extendslongitudinally therethrough and is adapted to be connected in sealedarrangement with similar pipes which extend through adjacent wallpanels. The pipe 70 has a vent 71 which extends through one or bothsides of the wall panel and is adapted to vent real or simulated smokeor other gases. For example, smoke may be discharged from a smokemachine, fog generator, dry ice or liquid carbon dioxide to impairvision. Alternatively, real smoke may be introduced into the structure.

Reference is made to FIG. 17 which illustrates a window panel 16 similarto that shown in FIG. 5, however, with a covering 72 provided on asimulated exterior side of the window. The window covering 72 may betransparent or non-transparent material such as Plexiglass which may besecured in place by various flexible fasteners 73 to permit forcibleremoval by prying or striking action with use of forcible entry typetools such as axe, sledge hammer, pry bar, pike pole or halogen bar andto better simulate “Forcible Entry” practices for smoke removal, victimrescue and/or personnel moving into or out of a structure through awindow. Another means of securing and attaching a removable windowcovering 72 may be by use of magnetic fasteners affixed to the windowcovering and both front and rear faces of the wall panel permittingattachment and removal of the wall covering 72 to or from either face.As illustrated in FIG. 47, another modification to the wall panel forplacement of a window pane is by means of friction fitting a windowmaterial such as LEXAN-type sized and framed to a dimension that wouldpermit placement and removal thereof within the window opening to bothfront or rear faces of the wall panel.

Reference is made to FIG. 18 which shows a door wall panel 18 similar tothe door wall panel of FIG. 6, however, including a door 32 having anumber of features to assist the practice of techniques involvingforcible breeching of the door and/or penetration with explosivecharges. This door is preferably reinforced by plywood on the door andmay have an opening provided through the door which more readily willbecome destroyed upon tactical breeching with explosive charges. Thedoor may be secured by self-closing hinges which, while under theapplication of forces, be able to be biased open in forcible entryconditions without undue damage to the door. As further illustrated inFIG. 48, to better simulate forcible entry or breaching of a doorstructure, the wall panel could comprise a functioning door mounted andsecured to one side of the door jamb by use of self-closing hinges (notshown) and in the closed position, secured and locked to the other sideof the door jamb by means of a locking door knob assembly with latchingmechanism and catch plate affixed to the doorjamb. The doorjamb sideaffixed with the catch plate to receive the latching mechanism to thedoor knob, could be constructed, secured and supported as such withspring-type devices positioned between the door jamb and wall panel studmember in a hollow cavity or void. Such design would permit the flexiblecharacteristic or “bending” of a doorjamb comprising of a flexiblematerial such as wood, plastic, thin-gauge steel or other material withflexible properties. The door jamb could then be pried outwardly or awayfrom the door without damage by use of forcible entry-type tools such asaxe, halogen bar or pry par and thus separating the catch plate andlatching mechanism permitting the locked door to be swung in the openposition allowing personnel to move into, out of or within the structurethrough locked doors. The flexible door jamb would then instantly returnto original vertical positioning without flex or bend by the opposingforces of the supporting spring devices without damage permitting thedoor assembly to be secured and locked again in the closed position forfurther simulations of forcible entry practices.

Reference is made to FIG. 19 which shows a training apparatusconstructed from same width modular wall panels of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 in amanner similar to that in FIG. 1, however, including in addition to afirst floor arranged on a primary floor level, a second floor disposedsupported upon the wall panels forming the floor plan for the firstfloor.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, joist members 74 for a second floor flooringmay extend between wall panels 12 for the first floor and carry supportpins at their end which hook over the wall panels forming the floor planfor the first wall. Plywood sheathing 75 may be provided on top of suchjoist members 74. Wall panels 12 for the second floor may be securedabove wall panels 12 for the first floor as by the use of connectingbrackets as best illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 having pins which extendboth upwardly and downwardly. While not shown in FIG. 19, in a mannersimilar to that discussed with FIG. 1, connecting brackets are also tobe used to connect the tops of each of the wall panels 12 forming thesecond story walls. FIG. 19 shows a stairway 76 providing access fromthe first floor to the second floor. FIG. 23 shows advantageousconstruction for such a similar stairway adopting a lower stairwayforming portion 76 and having stepped wall panels 78 adapted forenclosing each side and upon which other standard modular wall panels 12may be attached.

The training apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 25 use wall panels 12of substantially identical shape and size. This is preferred, however,it is not necessary. Reference is made to FIG. 26 which shows a planview of a training apparatus formed using modular panels which areprovided to have different widths, preferably, widths of four feet, sixfeet and eight feet.

FIGS. 27, 28 and 29, respectively, illustrate basic wall panels 81, 82and 83 used in FIG. 26 of four foot, six foot and eight foot widths,respectively. FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate a door wall panel 88 and awindow wall panel 86 of eight foot widths. As seen in FIG. 26, the useof different modular sizes of wall panels provide for differentarrangements and configurations of the floor plans as illustrated.

FIG. 32 illustrates an arrangement of two stacked wall panels 90 and 91,each having a width of eight feet and a desired height. The two wallpanels are stackable by the provision of vertically extending pins 38and 39 to extend into holes 34 in the upper and lower plates of theframes of the wall panels.

Reference is made to FIGS. 33 to 40 which illustrate a second embodimentof a wall panel 12 in accordance with the present invention. The wallpanel 12 comprises an internal framework 20 formed as best seen in FIG.34 with vertical studs 24 extending between horizontal top and bottomrails 25 and 26. The studs 24 adjacent each end of the wall panel 12 arerecessed inwardly from the ends of the horizontal top and bottom rails25 and 26 so as to provide an end space to accommodate at each of thefour corners adjacent an end and the top or bottom a connectingmechanism 100. The framework 20 is covered on both sides by claddinglayers 22 and 23 with the cladding layers 22 and 23 having slots 102formed therein approximate each of the corners to provide for access toand operation of the corner mechanisms 100.

Referring to FIG. 36, two identical wall panels 12 are provided arrangedend to end in line in which position, the coupling mechanisms 100 atopposed ends of the panels 12 align with each other for coupling tosecure the ends of the wall panels 12 together securely.

References made to the FIG. 35 which illustrates a preferred embodimentof the coupling mechanism 100. The coupling mechanism 100 has a housing104 preferably of metal with two L-shaped side walls 105 and 106supported and held securely parallel to each other by an inner bridgingend wall 107 and an outer bridging end wall 108. The inner end wall 107has four holes 110 therethrough to permit securing to the outer moststud 24 as by screws, bolts, rivets or like fasteners not shown. AU-shaped catch rod 112 has the inner ends of its two side arms 115 and116 secured to the side walls 105 and 106 such that the U-shaped catchrod 112 is disposed in a horizontal plane. The catch rod 112 has an endportion 117 extending horizontally and disposed such that its outersurface is in the same plane as the outer surface as to the outer endwall 108. Each side arm 115 and 116 is shown to have a Z-shaped with aninner portion 118 secured inside each of the side walls 105 or 106, anintermediate portion 119 extending laterally outwardly and a sideportion 120 which extends horizontally parallel to the side walls 105and 106 and is best seen in FIG. 37 as having its outer surface in thesame plane in the outermost surface 121 of the cladding 22 or 23. Thecatch rod 112 may preferably comprise a metal rod and may preferably besecured to the metal side walls as by welding.

A latch member 122 is pivotally mounted to the housing 104 or pivotingabout an axis 123. A cylindrical axle 124 is journalled to the sidewalls 105 and 106 by extending through correspondingly shaped circularopening in each of the side walls. The axle 124 has fixedly secured toeach of its ends an octagonal engagement nut 126 each disposed outsidethe walls 105 and 106. The latch member 122 includes an elongate hookelement 128 secured at an inner end 129 to the axle 124 for rotationwith the axle 124. The hook element 128 extends to a distal end 130which provides a bight 132 on an inner surface. A coil spring 136 onlyshown in FIG. 35 for ease of illustration has a first end 137 secured tothe inner end wall 107 and an outer end 138 secured to the hook element128 spaced from the axis 123. The spring 136 draws the hook element 128to rotate about the axis 123 counter clockwise as shown into a retractedposition shown in FIG. 35 in which the hook element 128 engages a stoprod 134 which is secured to extend horizontally between the side walls105 and 106. When two wall panels 12 are placed end to end as shown inFIG. 36, two coupling mechanisms 100 come to be in opposed abutment asschematically illustrated in isolation in FIG. 38 with each of the latchmembers 122 in a retracted position under the bias of the spring 136 notshown however in FIG. 38. From the retracted position shown in FIG. 38,by engagement with the nuts 126 which are accessible from of the frontand rear faces of each panel 12 through the slots 102 in the claddinglayers 22 or 23, each of the latch members 122 may be rotated from theretracted position of FIG. 38 to the engaged position of FIG. 39. In theengaged position of FIG. 39, each latch member 122 engages on the endportion 117 of the catch rod 112 of the coupling mechanism 100 of theadjacent wall panel 12. Preferably on rotating the latch member 122 tothe engaged position shown in FIG. 39 the hook member 128 will come toengage the inner side of the catch rod 112 with the distal end of thehook element 128 being required to be forced downwardly over the catchrod 112 such that the catch rod 112 becomes disposed within the bight132 and will retain in the engaged position against the bias of thespring 136.

As seen in FIG. 37 each of the latch members 122 is preferably disposedmarginally to one side of a centreline such that the distal end 130 ofthe hook member 128 lay side-by-side and do not interfere with eachother. Preferably each of the coupling mechanisms 100 are identical suchthat in any end to end orientation each hook element 128 will have itsdistal ends disposed on appropriate, opposite side to the hook element128 of the opposing mirror image coupling mechanism 100.

Reference is made to FIG. 40 which illustrate a top plan view identicalto that in FIG. 37 however, in additional to showing two left and rightwall panels 12 coupled together inline end to end, shows two additionalwall panels 12 extending laterally perpendicularly from the left inlinewall panel 12. FIG. 40 shows the two laterally extending wall panels ashaving their latch members 122 engaging the side portion 120 of the sidearms 115 or 116 of the catch rods 112. The laterally extending wallpanels 12 are shown in a preferred configuration with one outer surface120 of the cladding 22 or 23 in the same plane as the outer surface ofthe outer end wall 108.

As seen in FIG. 40, the side portion 120 of each catch rod 112 isdisposed relative to the outer surface 120 of the cladding layers 22 and23, that is, in the front and rear faces surfaces of the wall panel 12at a corresponding position that then end portion 117 of the catch rod112 bears to the outer surface of the end wall 108 that is in the endface of the wall panel 12.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the coupling mechanisms 100are fully retracted within the exterior surfaces of the wall panel 12when in the retracted position and when in the engaged position thelatch member 122 extends from the end of the wall panel 12 to engage thecatch rod 112 of an identical coupling mechanism of an adjacent wallpanel either inline or perpendicular.

The preferred embodiment of FIGS. 33 to 40 illustrates a simplemechanism for rotating the latch member 122 between the retracted andengaged position as for example by access on each face of the panel 12through the slot 102 to the nut 126 forming part of the latch member122. Various other mechanisms could be provided for activation of thelatch members.

In the preferred embodiment spring 136 is provided to bias the latchmember 122 to the retracted position. Additional arrangements could beprovided such as pairs of springs one of which biases the latch member122 to the retracted position and another spring not shown which biasesthe latch member 122 to the engaged position. Each spring may takedominance over the other on different sides of an intermediate positionof the latch member between the retracted position and the extendedposition such that the latch member from the intermediate position iseither bias to assume the retracted position or biased to assume theengaged position.

As seen in FIG. 33 the slots 102 in the cladding panels may berelatively large. Much smaller slots may be provided as for examplemerely to provide access through an opening in the cladding layers toeach of the nuts 126 and to provide a horizontal slot way for the sideportion 120 of the catch rod 112 and a vertical slot way for passage ofthe latch member 122 of a perpendicularly abutting wall panel such asshown in FIG. 40. While the framework 20 is illustrated in FIG. 34however many modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Forexample, additional vertical studs could be provided outwardly of thevertical studs 24 shown in FIG. 34 between each of the couplingmechanisms 100.

As further examples in FIGS. 46 to 50, one such modification for wallpanels fabricated substantially entirely from wood could use studsconstructed of plywood such as that used for sheathing but of a greaterthickness. Such plywood studs would result in a much lighter wall paneland less likely to twist and warp than solid wood used as standardbuilding construction 2″×2″, 2″×4″, 2″×6″ members. Additionally, the topand sole plates could comprise of multiple thicknesses of plywood forincreased strength and structural support.

Reference is made to FIG. 41 schematically showing a second embodimentof a coupling mechanism 100 substantially the same as that shown in FIG.35, however, with the U-shaped catch rod 112 having its side arms 115and 116 spaced inwardly from the side walls 105 and 106 of the housing104.

The coupling mechanism 100 of FIG. 41 is adapted for use in a wall panel12 in which at the end of the panel 12 and end plate 620, preferably ofplywood, is mounted to extend vertically covering the top rail 25 asshown and to also cover the end of the bottom rail, not shown. As seenin the exploded view of FIG. 42, the pictorial view of FIG. 43 and theplan view of FIG. 44, the end plate 620 has a thickness the same as thethickness of the cladding layers 22 and 23. A slot 622 is providedthrough the end plate 620 to provide access to the end portion 117 ofthe catch rod 112.

The slot 622 through the end plate 620 is similar to the slots 102through the cladding layers 22 and 23 to provide access to the side arms115 and 116 of the catch rod 117. FIG. 43 shows a circular opening 624for access to the engagement nut 126 of the coupling mechanism 100.

FIG. 45 shows in a cross-sectional plan end portions of four wall panelssimilar to the arrangement in FIG. 40. As seen in FIG. 40 in theend-to-end abutment, the two opposed end portion 117 are each spaced anequal distance from the end of their respective wall panel, the distancebeing the thickness of the end plate 620. Similarly, in the end-to-sideabutment, the opposed end portion 117 is spaced a distance from the endof its wall panel the same as the distance that either the side arm 115or 116 is spaced from the outside of its wall panel, that distance beingthe thickness of the respective cladding panels, which is equal to thethickness of the end plate 620.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 41 to 45, the latch members are of the sameidentical length.

FIG. 46 schematically illustrates a four foot wide by seven foot highwall panel 12 with corner coupling mechanisms 100 similar to that inFIGS. 41 to 45 and illustrating one arrangement for location of framingmembers and the provision of relatively small sized slots 102 throughoutthe cladding panel.

FIG. 47 schematically illustrates a wall panel 12 of a size andconstruction the same as in FIG. 46 but modified to include a windowwhich receives a pane of LEXAN™ Plexi glass in a friction fit relationfor forcible removal and replacement.

FIG. 48 schematically illustrates wall panel 12 of a size andconstruction the same as in FIG. 46 but modified to include a door.

FIG. 49 shows two wall panels 12 as shown in FIG. 46 located end-to-endwith their corner coupling mechanisms 100 in position to be coupled.

FIG. 50 shows three panels, one as in each of FIGS. 46, 47 and 48located end-to-end ready to be coupled.

Each coupling mechanisms 100 preferably is prefabricated unit which canreadily be securely in a desired location at each corner of the wallpanels 12 as for and simplicity and ease of installation, however thisis not necessary.

The preferred coupling mechanisms 100 utilize the inter engagement of acatch rod 112 and a pivotal latch member 122. Various other forms ofambidextrous coupling mechanisms may be utilized which provide forcoupling at each of the ends proximate the corners not only forend-to-end in-line coupling but also for perpendicular coupling as shownin FIG. 40.

With the coupling mechanisms 100 being, in a retracted position entirelywithin the exterior surfaces of the panel, the panel may be readilymoved to position and then once in position coupled to adjacent panelmembers.

The wall panels 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 50 are adapted to bemanipulated by one or more persons into a desired position and easilyconnected together manually as with a simple tool to engage the nut 126.Alternatively, manual engagement means such as a lever could be providedon the nuts 126 to permit for example rotation of the latch members 122without the need for any tools whatsoever.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, wallpanels such as illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 50, could be placed on a floorsurface so as to form the training apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 1without the need for any other connection to the floor or any otherstructure.

The wall panel 12 in accordance with the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 33 to 34 and 46 could also adopt any of the other featuresillustrated, for example, in the various other embodiments of wallpanels 12 described in this application as in combination therewith.

In accordance with one preferred aspect the present invention provides aplurality of wall panels which carry at their ends coupling mechanismswhich are adapted for engagement which identical coupling mechanisms inadjacent wall panels either for end to end inline coupling of the wallpanels or for perpendicular coupling of the wall panels approximatetheir ends.

The wall panel as illustrated in FIGS. 33 to 50 illustrate arrangementsin which each coupling mechanism 100 must separately be activated. It isto be appreciated that the two coupling mechanisms 100 on each side ofany panel 12 may be linked such that activation manually as by a singlemanually operated activation lever could cause both latch members 122 tomove between the retracted and engagement position. One such example ofan integral linkage system assembly is schematically illustrated in FIG.51.

Referring to FIG. 51, an elongate linkage bar 600 extends verticallybetween the upper and lower latch members 122 on each side of the panel12. The linkage bar 600 carries at each end a horizontally forwardlyextending pin 602 which is received in a short cam slotway (not clearlyshown) extending longitudinally of each latch member 122 spaced axiallyfrom the ale 124 of the latch member 122. The linkage bar 600 has acentral toothed rack portion 604 which engages with a toothed pinion orsprocket gear 606 having a square forwardly extending engagement head608 which is accessible for rotation as with a suitable tool such as asocket wrench. Manual rotation of head 608 rotates the pinion gear 606,moving the linkage bar 600 pivoting the latch members 122 simultaneouslytowards or away from a latched position.

Reference is made to FIGS. 52 to 54 which illustrate schematic pictorialviews of training apparatus 10 which is constructed entirely from thewall panels of FIGS. 46, 47 and 48 and define different floor plans asseen schematically in plan view respectively in FIGS. 55, 56 and 57,respectively. FIGS. 58 to 64 illustrate alternate floor plans which canbe made entirely from the wall panels of FIGS. 46, 47 and 48 and allshown on the same overall square footprints to show versatility,although this is not necessary.

Reference is made to FIGS. 65 to 68 illustrating a corner post 702 inaccordance with the present invention. The corner post as bestillustrated in FIG. 65 comprises a hollow rectangular member of squarecross-sectional with each side of the square having a dimension equal tothe thickness of the panels 12 with which it is to be used. The cornerpost 702 is adapted for use with panels 12 such as shown in FIGS. 33 and43. As seen in FIG. 68 a corner post 702 is located at each of the fourcorners of the floor plan as adapted to have a respective panel 12 abutagainst each of two of its faces. The corner post 702 is to be coupledto each of the panels 12 by use of the coupling mechanism 100 foundwithin each panel 12 as for example as shown in FIG. 33. In this regard,two adjacent faces 704 and 706 of the corner post 702 are provided withslots 705 and 707 providing access to a catch rod 708 which has sidearms 709 and 710 extend transversely across the slots 705 and 707. Theside arms 709 and 710 are for engagement by a latch members 122 carriedby adjacent panels 12 in the same manner that latch members 122 areadapted to engage the catch rods 112 of adjacent panels 12. The cornerpost 702 is easily formed by having four planar members as for exampleof plywood secured together forming a hollow rectangular structure andwith a bend metal plate member 712 carrying the rod 708 securedinternally at appropriate height and proximate to the slots 705 and 707.As seen in FIG. 68, four corner posts 702 are provided one at eachrespect of corner of the plan.

The use of such corner posts 702 facilitates for example the providingof an interior wall indicated as 714 to be used in substitution forexample of an exterior wall 716 or an exterior wall 718. In essence thecorner posts 702 facilitates the use of merely identical width panels 12in most exterior and interior positions.

While the corner post 702 is shown as being adapted for coupling merelyon two sides, a similar corner post could be provided adapted forcoupling at two, three or four sides. As well the corner posts 702 couldbe adapted for use with other coupling mechanisms as for example shownin the embodiment of FIG. 4 to 9.

FIG. 69 shows a coupling mechanism 800 adapted to replace the couplingmechanism 100 shown in FIG. 35. The coupling mechanism 800 has a housing804 preferably of metal with opposed side walls 805 and 806 secured byan end wall 807 and a bottom wall 809. Each of the side walls havesimilar longitudinal horizontally extending slots 811 and 812therethrough as well as lock holes 813 and 814. A U-shaped catch rod 112is secured to and bridges between the side walls 805 and 806 extendingforwardly thereof. A latch member 122 has a cylindrical axle 124 fixablysecured thereto. The axle 124 extends horizontally through the slots 811and 812 in the side walls 805 and 806 such that the axle 124 is slidablehorizontally together with the latch member 122 away from the rear wall807 against the bias of a first spring 816 which connects to rear end ofthe latch 122 with the rear wall 807.

A second spring 818 is coupled between a lower portion of the latchmember 122 and the base wall 809 and biases the latch member 122 topivot about the axle 124 down onto the top of the catch rod 112.

Each end of the axle 124 is accessible from the side of a panel. A userwill insert a tool into the end of the axle and using the tool manuallypivot the hook end 132 of the latch member 122 upwardly, that is in adirection of the arrow 820 while at the same time sliding the axle 124and latch member 122 towards the right as seen in FIG. 69 sufficientlyto clear a catch rod 112 (not shown) on an adjacent panel at which timethe user will rotate the latch member 122 downwardly and slide the hookmember 122 back to the left as seen in FIG. 69 such that the catch rod112 (not shown) of an adjacent panel 12 may become received within thebight of the hook end 132 of the latch member 122. After the latchmember 122 has been raised above and moved to left beyond the catch rod112 of the adjacent panel 12, the springs 816 and 818 will assist indrawing the latch member 122 downwardly and to the left.

The latch member 122 has a lock hole 822 therethrough which when thelatch member 122 is engaged on a catch rod 112 of an adjacent panel 12will co-axially align with the lock holes 813 and 814 in the side walls805 and 806. A lock pin 824 shown schematically of reduced length inFIG. 69 is adapted to then be slid through the holes 814, 822 and 813 tolock the latch member 122 in engagement on the catch rod 112 of theadjacent panel against release. Rather than use the lock pin 824 merelythe resiliencies of the springs 816 and 818 could be used to maintainthe latch member 122 in a lock position. Other locking mechanisms couldbe provided.

The embodiment of FIG. 69 illustrates but a further arrangement of acoupling mechanism to join ends of panels 12. The arrangement of FIG. 69has the advantage over the arrangement of FIG. 35 of reducing the extentto which the latch 122 needs to rotate. Various other coupling andlatching mechanism may be used in accordance with the present invention.Preferred characteristics of these latching mechanisms are that they donot extend beyond the end or sides of a panel when a panel 12 is instorage or being manipulated for use.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferredembodiments, many modifications and variations will now occur to personsskilled in the art. For a definition of the invention, reference is madeto the accompanying claims.

1. A building simulation training apparatus comprising: a plurality ofmodular rectilinear wall panels capable of movement by one or twopersons, the wall panels adapted to be releasably coupled to adjacentwall panels to form a simulated floor plan of a building, each wallpanel being adapted for removable coupling to adjacent of the wallpanels both in line with any one adjacent of the wall panels andperpendicular with any other adjacent of the wall panels to form a freestanding structure, each wall panel having a plurality of identicalcoupling mechanisms, one proximate each of the upper and lower corner ofeach end of the wall panel and adapted for releasably coupling with theidentical coupling mechanism of adjacent wall panels both in inline andperpendicular configurations.
 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1wherein each coupling mechanism includes a catch rod with an end segmentdisposed horizontally along the end of the wall panel and two sidesegments, each disposed horizontally along a respective side of the wallpanel, each coupling mechanism also includes a latch member movable froma retracted position within the confines of the wall panel to anengaging position in which the latch member extends from an end of itswall panel for engagement with either the end segment of a catch rod ofan adjacent wall panel in line therewith or a side segment of a catchrod of an adjacent wall panel perpendicular therewith.
 3. An apparatusas claimed in claim 1 wherein said wall panel comprises an interiorframework having a top rail, a bottom rail and a plurality of verticallyextending studs, extending between the top rail and the bottom rail, theframework being clad on each side by a sheet member.
 4. A wall panel asclaimed in claim 3 including wires extending through the wall panel tosimulate wires in the wall of a building.
 5. A wall panel as claimed inclaim 4 including conduit pipe extending through the framework tosimulate conduit pipe in a building.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim1 wherein the wall panels comprise a wooden framework clad with claddingmaterials selected from gypsum board and plywood and each panel has aconstruction substantially the same as the construction for a woodenbuilding wall with a top rail, a bottom rail and a plurality of spacedvertical studs extending between the top rail and the bottom rail, theapparatus being supported on a floor.
 7. An apparatus as claimed inclaim 1 including additionally, for any specific floor plan to besimulated by the apparatus, an information package comprising at least apartial description or representation of a building which the floor plansimulates, which information is to be received by a person in advance ofentering the simulator having the specific floor plan.
 8. An apparatusas claimed in claim 2 wherein said wall panel comprises an interiorframework having a top rail, a bottom rail and a plurality of verticallyextending studs, extending between the top rail and the bottom rail, theframework being clad on each side by a sheet member.
 9. A wall panel asclaimed in claim 8 including wires extending through the wall panel tosimulate wires in the wall of a building.
 10. A wall panel as claimed inclaim 9 including conduit pipe extending through the framework tosimulate conduit pipe in a building.
 11. An apparatus as claimed inclaim 2 wherein the wall panels comprise a wooden framework clad withcladding materials selected from gypsum board and plywood and each panelhas a construction substantially the same as the construction for awooden building wall with a top rail, a bottom rail and a plurality ofspaced vertical studs extending between the top rail and the bottomrail, the apparatus being supported on a floor.
 12. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 2 including additionally, for any specific floor planto be simulated by the apparatus, an information package comprising atleast a partial description or representation of a building which thefloor plan simulates, which information is to be received by a person inadvance of entering the simulator having the specific floor plan.
 13. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the wall panels comprise awooden framework clad with cladding materials selected from gypsum boardand plywood and each panel has a construction substantially the same asthe construction for a wooden building wall with a top rail, a bottomrail and a plurality of spaced vertical studs extending between the toprail and the bottom rail, the apparatus being supported on a floor. 14.An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 including additionally, for anyspecific floor plan to be simulated by the apparatus, an informationpackage comprising at least a partial description or representation of abuilding which the floor plan simulates, which information is to bereceived by a person in advance of entering the simulator having thespecific floor plan.